Arizona is potentially facing the loss of another professional hockey team, as Alex Meruelo, the owner of the Tucson Roadrunners and former owner of the Arizona Coyotes brand, has expressed intentions to relocate the Roadrunners to Reno, Nevada. This decision comes after the announcement of plans for a new arena to be constructed for the American Hockey League team.
A report from Sportico’s Barry M. Bloom reveals that Meruelo made the announcement to his staff on Monday, stating that he will no longer pursue the construction of a new arena for the NHL’s Coyotes in the Phoenix area. It was mentioned that the franchise is expected to be disbanded within a month, with Meruelo intending to retain the minor league Roadrunners. The team will continue to play its entire home schedule in Tucson, Arizona, before making the move to Reno upon completion of the new arena.
The Roadrunners, which currently serve as the minor league team of the Coyotes, currently play at the Tucson Convention Center Arena. Recent announcements from the team indicate that all 36 of its games next season will be held in Tucson.
These relocation plans have been prompted by recent events, including the sale of the Arizona Coyotes franchise assets for relocation to Utah. However, Meruelo has reached an agreement with the NHL that would allow him to revive the Coyotes franchise as an NHL expansion team if he could build a suitable arena within five years. The Coyotes brand was retained as part of the deal, although Barry M. Bloom reported, Meruelo’s expected return of the franchise’s naming rights and branding to the NHL.
Last year, Meruelo unveiled a proposal for a 10,000-seat arena in Reno, which would serve as the centerpiece of an entertainment complex. It is now expected that the team will begin play in Reno by the fall of 2026, upon the arena’s completion.
The recent approval of a financial deal by the Rio Neuvo board ensures that the Roadrunners will continue playing in Tucson for at least three more years, reflecting the team’s positive relationship with the city.
Meruelo’s announcement has raised questions about the future of professional hockey in Arizona. However, the Roadrunners’ current commitment to Tucson suggests that there is still hope for the city’s hockey scene.
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